Learn How to Pronounce acute

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

acute

Definition:

(nou) a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation

Phonetic Transcription:

əˈkjuːt

Examples:

The apex of the lamina is acute.

The opposite of chronic is acute.

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain.

Learn more about:

acute

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: acute

Learn Individual Sounds

Break acute down into individual sounds such as əˈkjuːt. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say acute in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say acute in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with acute.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of acute pronunciation

  1. Stress misplacement: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "a-ˈkyūt" instead of the correct "ˈə-kyūt". Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable when pronouncing "acute".
  2. Vowel confusion: The vowel sound in "acute" can be mistaken for a short "u" sound, leading to mispronunciation. It should be pronounced with a long "u" as in "you". Tip: Focus on elongating the "u" sound to achieve clarity.
  3. Final "t" sound: Some speakers may soften or drop the "t" at the end, saying "a-ˈkyu" instead of "ˈə-kyūt". Tip: Make sure to clearly articulate the "t" at the end for proper pronunciation.
  4. Incorrect vowel sound in the first syllable: Some may pronounce the first syllable as "a" (as in "cat") instead of the schwa sound "ə". Tip: Practice using the schwa sound to ensure the first syllable sounds like "uh".
  5. Regional variations: In some dialects, "acute" may be pronounced with a more pronounced "a" sound, leading to confusion. Tip: Be aware of regional accents and aim for the standard pronunciation "ˈə-kyūt".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "acute" in American English?

In American English, "acute" is pronounced as /əˈkjuːt/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "cute."

What is the British pronunciation of "acute"?

In British English, "acute" is also pronounced as /əˈkjuːt/. The stress and syllable structure remain the same as in American English.

Does "acute" have a schwa sound in its pronunciation?

Yes, "acute" begins with a schwa sound /ə/, which is the unstressed vowel sound often found in English. This makes the first syllable softer and less emphasized.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "acute"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as saying /ˈæk.juːt/ instead of /əˈkjuːt/. Remember to stress the second syllable to pronounce "acute" correctly.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime